Collegian file photo
A Hip-Hop Summit which examines hip-hop’s evolution and features live performances from TV and radio personalities as well as TCC students will be Feb. 13 on NE Campus.
The event’s panel discussion will examine the current state of hip-hop and its
effect on young adults.
Also, the summit will feature lyrical performances by three TCC students for monetary awards. NE student Lamar “AdoT” Thomas will close the event.
NE sociology professor Murray Fortner founded the summit and believes hip-hop is critical.
“Let me put it this way: hip-hop is a powerful force on a generation,” he said. “We look at it to see if it has become a positive or negative force and how students interpret it in their media diet.”
Fortner said today’s youth often try to emulate their favorite rapper and try to live their lives not realizing these rappers are just entertainers.
“For some people, hip-hop is a style in life,” he said. “But for some, it’s a lifestyle.”
Fortner said hip-hop music doesn’t necessarily need to lose its soul, but the message sent needs to be positive, especially when concerning a younger audience.
“Hip-hop started grounded in intellect and has inverted into something else,” he said. “We’re going to talk about what that is.”
The summit is 12:30-2 p.m. in Center Corner (NSTU 1615).
— Taylor Jensen
